The Red List
The wild landscapes of Wales stand as silent witnesses to an unfolding ecological emergency: over a sixth of the Wales’ native plants face extinction, many teetering on the brink. Their survival rests on the shoulders of one botanist, Dr. Kevin McGinn, and his determined team.
"The Red List" chronicles Kevin’s year-long quest to collect seeds from 25 endangered species in a desperate race against time. Set against the backdrop of the hottest year on record, this gripping documentary reveals the immense challenges he faces: navigating bureaucratic red tape, battling the relentless impacts of climate change, and enduring the personal losses of key team members. With every seed collected, Kevin and his team carry the fragile hope of safeguarding Wales’ biodiversity for generations to come.
Told with urgency and heart, "The Red List" is an unflinching exploration of the hidden struggles of conservation in a time of crisis—and a powerful reminder that even the smallest efforts can help shape a more resilient future.
Credits and Cast
Producers: Ross Pierson
Director: Ross Pierson
Cinematography: Ross Pierson
Editing: Ross Pierson & Karolina Smolova
Sound Editor: Adam Edmunds
Composer: Florence Ellen Rose
Narrator: Iolo Williams
Cast: Dr Kevin McGinn
Shooting Format: Digital
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Director’s Biography-Ross Pierson
Ross Pierson is a filmmaker based in South Wales and a British Army veteran, bringing over a decade of experience in the creative industry. His career began in close protection for internationally recognised artists before transitioning into production roles on projects for major networks such as ITV, BBC, HBO, Netflix, and CBS.
Ross's first directing credit, Mann (2022), tells the story of a WWII SAS veteran. The documentary received multiple awards and festival selections, including a selection for nomination votes at BAFTA Cymru. Building on this success, Ross is now directing The Red List, a feature documentary developed with the National Botanic Garden of Wales, focusing on the urgent efforts to safeguard Wales’ endangered plant species.
An alum of several filmmaking courses at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and a member of BAFTA Connect, Ross is passionate about creating authentic and thought-provoking narratives, driven by a dedication to collaboration and crafting impactful stories.